SKY’S THE LIMIT

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- Without question, one of the most successful volleyball teams on YSN has been The
Archbishop Hoban Knights! With an impressive 21-0 regular season record, The Knights have beaten a who’s who in competition from around the surrounding area. One of the big key contributors to Hoban’s offense this year? None other than one of The Knights junior outside hitters, Skylar Schmidt!

Playing the sport at a very early age, Schmidt first fell in love with the way the game made her feel joy whenever she got to participate with her friends. Turning that into a middle school and high school volleyball career, Schmidt now is a big presence on a regional powerhouse! Third on the team in kills (116) Schmidt has proven to be a dangerous hitter when she gets rolling.

In this edition of YSNs Player Profile, Ty Bartell gets the opportunity to chat with the Hoban junior on her volleyball journey so far, her favorite collegiate player, her aspirations following high school and so much more! You will not want to miss a special profile with a special person as this is the first, but surely not last, Player Profile with Hoban junior Skylar Schmidt!

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CRAFTY AFTON ROCKS THE MIDDLE

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- When discussing Division 1 high school volleyball in the state of Ohio, you will not really find much success come tournament time if you lack a strong middle. Someone with solid height, good skill with an even better IQ and awareness to help solidify the net. Looking at The Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team, that is exactly what they have in senior Afton Roby! A three year starter for The Falcons, Roby has continued to develop herself and get better each and every season she has played in.

Having the stats to back it up as well, as Roby was third on the team in kills (192) this regular season while simultaneously being second on the team in kill% (46.5), hit% (.363), aces (40) and leading Fitch in blocks (61) with 14 of them being of the solo variety. Beyond that, Roby has one of the loudest and proudest support systems at her games with her parents and grandparents, especially her “papa”, bringing the energy to each and every match!
A great leader on the floor,

Roby reminisces about her journey to that spot with Ty Bartell in this edition of Player Profile by YSN. While also discussing some of her favorite volleyball memories, the best hangout spots in Austintown and her plans following high school. Do not miss out on this Player Profile with Austintown-Fitch senior middle, Afton Roby!

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BLUE JAYS STUN BADGER IN SECTIONALS

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KINGSMAN OH- The Jackson Milton volleyball team entered the sectional tournament as the underdog but made a statement with a remarkable upset win over the 10th seeded Badger. The match was a testament to their determination and skill, which propelled them to victory.

Leading the charge for the Jays was Emma Johns, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success. She showcased her versatility with 14 service points, 3 aces, and 15 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision. Riley Headley made her presence felt with 7 kills, while Alena Len added 6 kills, along with 6 service points, 3 aces, and 7 crucial digs. Grace Johns anchored the team’s defense with an impressive 14 digs.

The win has set the stage for Jackson Milton’s next challenge, as they are scheduled to travel to Canton Central Catholic to face the 6th-seeded Southern Local in the sectional finals. The match is set for Thursday, October 19, with a 7:30 pm start.

RED DEVILS ELIMINATE CONFERENCE RIVAL

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CAMPBELL OH- Campbell Memorial’s volleyball team set the tone for their tournament run with a convincing victory over conference rival Liberty. The win marked the third time this year that Campbell prevailed over their opponent, displaying their consistent dominance on the court. The match ended with set scores of 25-10, 25-21, and 25-20.

Campbell Memorial’s players showcased their skills and teamwork throughout the game, resulting in a well-deserved win. Cyra Cross led the charge with an impressive 6 aces, while Angeliz Diaz and Elysia Rudolphi contributed 4 and 3 aces, respectively, ensuring a strong service game. The offensive duties were spread across the team, with Kendall Brunn, MiLeena Williams, and Cyra Cross all tallying 8 kills, and Angeliz Diaz chipping in with 6 kills. Kendall Brunn also made her presence felt with 2 blocks, displaying her defensive capabilities. Carla Ramirez Ortiz orchestrated the team’s offense with 27 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills.

In the backcourt, the team’s defense was impressive, with Angeliz Diaz and Cyra Cross contributing 13 digs each. Jayda Coriano and Carla Ramirez Ortiz added 11 digs each, and Gabriela Villanueva Santos completed the solid defensive effort with 10 digs.

Campbell advances to play Warren JFK on Thursday in the sectional finals. That game will be at 6:00 at Mentor Lake Catholic.

RESERVE MEANS BUSINESS IN ROUND ONE

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BERLIN CENTER OH- Western Reserve’s dominant volleyball team continued its impressive run in the postseason with a resounding 3-0 victory over Valley Christian. The win not only improved their stellar record to 22-1 but also propelled them into the sectional finals with unwavering confidence.

The Western Reserve squad showcased their prowess on the court, and it was a collective effort that led to their success. Lisa Eichert led the charge with 10 kills, displaying her scoring ability along with 6 aces and 7 crucial digs. Alyvia Hughes was equally impressive with 10 aces, 6 kills, and 5 digs, proving her all-around contribution to the team. Abby Blair added to the offensive firepower with 6 kills, underlining the team’s depth and versatility.

With this commanding victory, Western Reserve now sets its sights on the next challenge. They are scheduled to face Lowellville in the sectional finals, with the match taking place at home on Thursday at 7:30.

EMCH HITS MILESTONES AS CRESTVIEW ROLLS INTO POSTSEASON

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COLUMBIANA OH- In an emphatic tournament opener, Crestview’s volleyball team left an indelible mark with a resounding sweep of Poland, securing victory with set scores of 25-9, 25-6, and 25-4. The performance was nothing short of extraordinary, and the night was marked by remarkable achievements.

Leading the charge for Crestview was the incredible Abbey Emch, who delivered an all-around performance. She notched an incredible double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs while also contributing 5 aces and 2 blocks. But the highlight of the evening came when Abbey Emch recorded her 1000th career kill, a milestone that will be remembered for years to come. Additionally, she surpassed the program record for career blocks, previously held by Chelsea Bowker with 396 blocks, proving her prowess on both ends of the court.

Joining in on the extraordinary performance were Grace Auer and Lainy Auer. Grace contributed 10 kills, 9 digs, and 15 assists, achieving her double-double. Lainy Auer showcased her versatility with 9 kills and 15 assists, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the game.

With this convincing victory, Crestview advances to the sectional finals, where they are set to face Beachwood. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 6:00, and Crestview’s team is poised to continue their impressive tournament run,

WARRIORS WAVE ON TO SECTIONAL FINALS

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- West Branch’s volleyball team wasted no time making their presence felt in the OHSAA tournament as they opened play with a resounding victory against Alliance at Ursuline High School. The Warriors delivered a commanding performance, securing the win in three consecutive sets with scores of 25-15, 25-20, and 25-14.

The Warriors were in formidable form, led by Carter Shepherd, who made a significant impact with 16 points, which included an impressive six aces. Mikalyn Fitts added to the offensive firepower with 10 kills and four crucial blocks. Isabele Martig and Josie Milliken orchestrated the team’s offense with 12 assists each, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the game.

Defensively, Ragan Greeneisen showcased her agility and determination with 10 digs, while Sara Schmidt contributed nine, solidifying West Branch’s strong performance on both ends of the court.

With this convincing victory, West Branch now sets its sights on the next challenge. They are scheduled to face Ursuline on Thursday at 7:30, with the location yet to be announced.

URSULINE STAGES SECTIONAL COMEBACK

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a nail-biting start to the sectional tournament, Ursuline’s volleyball team pulled off an incredible comeback, defying the odds and securing a remarkable victory against Canfield. It was a battle that went the distance, with Ursuline turning a 2-1 deficit into a stunning 3-2 win, with set scores of 16-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, and 15-9.

The match was characterized by fierce competition and determined play from both sides. Ursuline’s players showcased their skills and resilience throughout the game. Theresa Garono led the charge with an impressive 14 kills, making a significant impact on the offensive end. Lourdes DiNardo contributed nine kills, while Carmen Boyd and Isabelle Gocala added five and three kills, respectively, further bolstering Ursuline’s offensive output.

On the Canfield side, Lily Weaver displayed her scoring prowess with 11 kills, while Lauren Miasek and Meredith Ross contributed nine and eight kills, respectively. Isabella Bucciarelli and Ashtyn Hanousek added seven and six kills, underlining Canfield’s formidable offensive arsenal.

The seesaw battle ultimately saw Ursuline emerge triumphant, advancing to the sectional final. Their next challenge will be against West Branch, a matchup that promises to be another thrilling encounter. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30, with the location yet to be announced.

SPRINGFIELD’S STRONG SENIORS

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NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – The Springfield Lady Tigers are led by a great group of seniors, two outstanding student-athletes, Mariah Jones and Nevaeh Cruz have made their mark on the team with their remarkable skills and dedication. Mariah Jones, with her incredible athleticism and fierce determination, has been a key player for the Lady Tigers. Throughout the season, she has amassed an impressive 143 kills, showcasing her ability to consistently find gaps in the opponent’s defense. Her exceptional defensive skills are equally remarkable, with a remarkable 210 digs to her name.

Nevaeh Cruz, another standout senior player, has been a vital asset to the Lady Tigers with her dynamic and versatility. Nevaeh’s powerful serves have earned her 17 aces over the season, often providing the Lady Tigers with crucial momentum-changing moments. Her agility and precision on the court have also translated into 89 points, further emphasizing her value to the team’s overall performance. Together, Mariah and Nevaeh have created a lasting legacy as senior leaders of the Springfield Lady Tigers.

Check out this very special dual player profiles with Springfield Lady Tigers star senior volleyball players, Mariah Jonnes and Nevaeh Cruz!

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NICO KNOWS WHAT TO DO

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GIRARD OH- This season, Girard’s volleyball team needed a new offensive force to fill the void left by the graduation of star hitter Lauren Pallone. While the spotlight had previously shone on players like Bree Latell, there was a question mark surrounding who would be the team’s second punch. Enter Nico Cochran, a junior outside hitter with a solid swing that has quickly become the answer to Girard’s offensive needs.

Stepping into a significant role is not a new experience for Nico. While she wasn’t the featured hitter on last year’s Girard team, she has been accustomed to leading her club teams from the front for quite some time. For Nico, taking on this new challenge in high school wasn’t about pressure but an opportunity to shine on a larger stage. Her adaptability and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team’s success have been evident throughout the season.

Athleticism and competitiveness run in Nico’s family, and it’s her parents, particularly her dad, who are often the voices she hears during the game. Whether it’s tough coaching or supportive encouragement, she has the comfort of a solid support system never too far away, pushing her to excel on the court.

Reflecting on her 2023 stats, Nico has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing 250 kills at a rate of 3.4 per set, with a .206 attack percentage. Her defensive contributions are equally impressive, with 152 digs at a rate of 2.1 per set, along with 23 blocks and 45 aces. Nico’s all-around game is a testament to her dedication and versatility.

Looking ahead, Nico is set to take even bigger strides in her senior year, where she’ll be the leader everyone looks up to for guidance. With the same excellence she’s shown in every other opportunity, she’s sure to face her senior year with determination and poise. But for now, there’s a tournament run to focus on, and Nico, along with her teammates, is eager to break through the district championships, after being stalled there in the past two seasons. With Nico’s tenacity and the team’s collective drive, Girard has all the ingredients for a successful journey ahead.

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